WSROC welcomes green light for Mt Druitt revamp
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Train approaching Blacktown on the Western Rail LineWSROC

Media release, 13 May 2020

The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has welcomed the NSW Government’s approval of the Mount Druitt CBD masterplan but warns that the area will require significant investment in transport infrastructure to accommodate growth.

WSROC President, Clr Barry Calvert, said “It is great to see the NSW Government working with local councils, in this case Blacktown City Council, to deliver great planning outcomes for communities.

“This approval will pave the way for Council’s planned revitalisation of Mount Druitt CBD including a range of employment and leisure opportunities for the local community.

“This project will also deliver homes within walking distance of the existing Western Rail Line which will contribute to better quality of life for residents and improved sustainability outcomes,” said Clr Calvert.

“While approval for the Mount Druitt CBD masterplan is a great first step, it must be acknowledged that ongoing collaboration and investment from all levels of government is necessary to achieve truly liveable communities. Growing residential and commercial densities will inevitably increase pressure on congested transport infrastructure such as the Western Rail Line which is already stretched for capacity. This will have city-wide flow-on effects if not adequately addressed in a timely manner,” he said.

“There is a need for ongoing collaboration between state and local government to ensure that this project achieves the desired outcomes,” said Clr Calvert.

Mayor of Blacktown City Council, Councillor Tony Bleasdale also praised the NSW Government’s approval of the Mount Druitt rezoning.

“Council welcomes any moves to fast track much needed infrastructure such as town centres and schools in areas such as Mount Druitt, Marsden Park and Riverstone.

“Let me make this clear, this is only an amendment to the planning controls, covering zoning and building heights for the Mount Druitt CBD. Council has a master plan for the redevelopment of Mount Druitt CBD on the table and this gives us the green light.

“There are privately-funded, shovel ready projects waiting for this amendment. While we welcome the Premier’s announcement, we need to point out that road, transport and services infrastructure is vital to properly deliver the transformation of Mount Druitt CBD.

“Mount Druitt Hospital is also part of Mount Druitt CBD – the road access that crosses the railway (Francis Road) – is long overdue an upgrade.

“With tens of thousands of new residents, the whole North West Growth Area needs a huge injection of funds for public infrastructure in the form of transport, schools and hospitals,” said Mayor Bleasdale.